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Dear Postdoctoral Community,
I hope that you have taken the time to nominate yourself or a fellow postdoc for our upcoming Postdoctoral Awards. Nominations close on March 16. This annual event celebrates the achievements and success of our postdoc community. More information can be found below. Additionally, we want to celebrate you all year long. Consider sharing your successes through our Celebrating Excellence initiative.
I am excited to announce that Dr. Kanchana Devanathan has been elected Vanderbilt Postdoctoral Association President. Her term will begin immediately and the 2025-2026 elections will be held in May. I encourage each of you to get involved in our postdoc community. For more information or to engage with the VPA, email postdoc@vanderbilt.edu.
As always, please do not hesitate to contact me if there is anything I can do to assist in your research and scholarship.
Best,
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C. André Christie-Mizell
Vice Provost for Graduate Education
Director, Office of Postdoctoral Affairs
Dean of the Graduate School
Centennial Professor of Sociology
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| | March 27: VPA 'Speak Easy' Talk Series
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| Annual Postdoc Awards Nominations are Open!
Nominations for our annual postdocs awards are now open. The awards ceremony will be held on Wednesday, May 21.
Awards to be presented include:
Postdoc of the Year
Postdoc Mentor of the Year
Postdoc Service Award
Faculty Mentor of the Year
Outstanding Campus Partner Award
For more information on the award criteria, to submit a nomination, or to view past winners, visit the OPA website. Nominations close on Sunday, March 16 at 11:59 p.m. CST.
To RSVP to the ceremony on May 21 at 3:00 p.m., click here.
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SAVE THE DATE! VPA 2025 Symposium
Mark it in your calendars! This year, the Vanderbilt Postdoctoral Association's Symposium will be held in the Student Life Center on Tuesday, October 14.
Volunteer Opportunity: The symposium is planned by the Vanderbilt Postdoc Association and the postdoc community. If you are interested in joining the Symposium Planning Committee, please complete this form.
Requirements include: attending a 1-hour virtual and some in-person monthly (February to July) and bi-monthly (August-October) meetings to assist with the planning/preparation of the 2025 Symposium, attending the full-day symposium event on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, and willingness to work in groups to support the Symposium event. This is a 9-month commitment.
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| 2025 Virtual Career Expo for PhDs and Postdocs
As a postdoc at Vanderbilt, you’re invited to attend the Virtual Career Expo (VCE). This free virtual job fair brings together employers from the fields of STEM, Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences seeking advanced degree talent.
Event Details
- Date: Wednesday, March 5, 2025
- Time: 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. CST
- Location: vFairs (virtual event)
How to Register
- Registered attendees will participate in the event as avatars
- Attendee avatars will be able to move about the event through different rooms (lobby, exhibitor booths, lounge, etc).
- Each employer will have a virtual booth and attendee avatars will “visit” the booth to learn about the employer and career opportunities
- If interested in an attendee, employers will invite them to private sessions or send private messages
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VU & VUMC Limited Submission OpportunitySummer 2025 NCI Pathway to Independence Award for Early-Stage Postdoctoral Researchers (K99/R00)
Internal Applications Due March 25, 2025
Vanderbilt (VU + VUMC): VU-employed Postdocs should apply through this InfoReady portal. VUMC employed postdocs should follow the application instructions as described on the OOR funding opportunity website.
Overview
VU and VUMC may each submit one application per scientific focus area to the NCI Pathway to Independence Award for Early-Stage Postdoctoral Researchers (K99/R00) programs. The scientific focus areas are Cancer Data Science, Cancer Control Science, Molecular/Precision Cancer Prevention and Other Cancer Research. There are three separate RFAs, which allow different types of proposed research (e.g. basic, clinical): PAR-23-286, PAR-23-287, and PAR-23-288. Each of VU and VUMC’s four selected applicants (1/focus area) may apply to whichever RFAs best suit their research proposals.
The objective of the NCI Pathway to Independence Award is to help postdoctoral researchers complete needed, mentored training and transition in a timely manner to independent tenure-track (or equivalent) faculty positions. The program will provide independent NCI research support during this transition to help awardees to launch competitive, independent research careers. The K99/R00 award is intended to foster the development of a creative, independent research program that will be competitive for subsequent independent funding and that will help advance the mission of the NCI.
This program is designed for postdoctoral fellows with research and/or clinical doctoral degrees who do not require extended periods of mentored research training beyond their original doctoral degrees before transitioning to research independence. Researchers in the scientific areas of cancer control, cancer prevention and cancer data sciences are especially encouraged to apply.
Individuals must be in mentored, postdoctoral training positions to be eligible to apply to the K99/R00 program. The K99/R00 award will provide up to 5 years of support in two phases. The initial (K99) phase will provide support for up to 2 years of mentored postdoctoral research training and career development. The second (R00) phase will provide up to 3 years of independent research support, which is contingent on satisfactory progress during the K99 phase and obtaining an approved, independent tenure-track (or equivalent) faculty position.
The award covers up to $100,000 per year toward the salary of the career award recipient, and up to $30,000 per year toward the research development costs of the award recipient.
See solicitations for full program and eligibility details:
PAR-23-286 - Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed
PAR-23-287 - Independent Clinical Trial Required
PAR-23-288 - Independent Basic Experimental Studies with Humans Required
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Join JoLS-Pub as a Postdoc Reviewer!The Journal of Life Sciences (JoLS) invites postdocs to join JoLS-Pub, a new platform where scientists share layperson-friendly summaries of their published research. As a reviewer, you’ll gain editorial experience, refine your science communication skills, and mentor graduate and undergraduate trainees while promoting accurate, accessible science for the public.
Key Details:
- Role: Review 2000-word summaries that explain PubMed-indexed research in simple terms, with optional illustrations and author bios.
- Team Structure: Reviews are conducted by a postdoc-led team, with graduate and undergraduate members.
- Benefits: Enhance your career development and showcase your profile on the JoLS platform.
Register now to join the JoLS-Pub editorial team and help bridge the gap between science and society! Encourage your trainees to register as reviewers too. You can register by emailing info@journaloflifesciences.org.
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| | English Language Center Course for Postdocs
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The English Language Center (ELC) will be offering an online Academic Communication for Postdocs during the Spring 2025 semester.
These modules are intended to provide the resources and space for international postdocs to discuss, practice, and ask questions about the postdoc experience in the US. Attendees will have opportunities to meet and interact virtually with other international postdocs, submit materials for individualized feedback, and receive supplementary materials online.The course content includes various aspects of oral communication in an academic setting, including making small talk with colleagues, joining group discussions, practicing job talks, and discussing research to different types of audiences. Postdocs will also learn about expectations for postdocs, cross-cultural considerations, and navigating professional relationships.
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| New VU SBER IRB
The Vanderbilt University Social, Behavioral, and Educational Research (SBER) IRB soft launch began on March 3. This new VU SBER will oversee the majority of human research conducted at the university, offering tailored support for SBER studies while enabling the VUMC IRB to focus on biomedical and clinical research.
More information can be found in the MyVU story.
Start preparing now by taking advantage of the resources linked in the article, including:
- Monthly “Introduction to the VU Social, Behavioral and Educational Research (SBER) IRB” sessions held on the fourth Wednesday of each month.
- The new vu.edu/irb website that provides comprehensive guidance for Vanderbilt researchers, including submission procedures, timelines and policy updates.
- Daily office hours every weekday, Monday through Friday, from 1 to 2 p.m..
- Contacting the VU SBER IRB team at irb@vanderbilt.edu with questions, feedback, or to request a tailored outreach session for your school or department.
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The VPA is looking for current Vanderbilt Postdocs to serve as mentors for their new Postdoc BuddyProgram!
The goal of this program is to systematically match new, incoming postdocs with current Vandy postdocs based on multiple factors that the buddies deem fruitful for a match to help build a supportive, welcoming community! As a current postdoc, your insight about Nashville and Vanderbilt will serve as a key resource to those who are transitioning into new positions. Remember that one hour of support/advice from a peer is worth more than 100s of pages of Word documents with lists of resources!
This is an excellent way to gain mentorship and academic leadership experience. We encourage our buddies to meet at least once during the new postdoc’s transition to Vanderbilt (virtually or in-person at one of the VPA sponsored events!). Otherwise, the mentor buddy will serve as a point of contact for incoming postdocs for any informal questions, advice, and support! The VPA will check in with mentor buddies each quarter to give volunteers the opportunity to recommit to an additional semester.
To get started, please complete this quick survey located here.
The VPA team will notify you as soon as possible, when you have been matched with an incoming postdoc!
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Graduate and Postdoc Academic SuccessThe Graduate & Postdoc Academic Success (GPAS) are here to support graduate students and postdocs with anything that keeps them from doing their best academic work. They provide strategies to address concerns around progress and productivity, as well as, navigating academic relationships. They address your needs through 1-on-1 consultations and success planning sessions. Additionally, both of their staff members are Gallup-Certified Strength Coaches and able to give you access to the CliftonStrengths Assessment to help you accomplish your best work utilizing an authentic approach to who you are and how you show up. If you are interested in meeting with one of the staff members, you can schedule an appointment here. If you ever feel like you are “stuck” in your writing and/or research, we hope that you will reach out and connect with them.
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| | Spring 2025: Weekly "Co-Working" Sessions
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The GPAS staff will also be offering weekly 'co-working' sessions through the Spring 2025 term on Thursdays from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in Alumni Hall Graduate Student & Postdoc Lounge (Room 100) for anyone to come by and work alongside them. This time can be used for writing, planning or other academic projects. Stacey or Nick will be there to discuss any goals setting or accountability questionsdd you may have. If you are looking for a quiet space to work on projects in the company of colleagues, this is the place to stop in. They will also provide free coffee (and sometimes snacks)! See you there!
No registration required.
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Career CenterThe Career Center supports VU postdocs with the non-academic career exploration and planning of postdoctoral fellows in non-biomedical STEM, Humanities, and Social Sciences disciplines. At the Career Center, students and postdoctoral fellows learn and explore professional opportunities through internships, career coaching, workshops, career panels, on-campus recruiting, job fairs, and industry-based treks. Currently, Jessica Abner, PhD and Whitney Taylor, PhD serve as the Senior Career Coaches for the postdoctoral population. If you're interested in taking advantage of any of their services, please check out their website for more information and to make an appointment. Additionally, you can attend some of their upcoming events listed on Handshake.
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BRET Office of Career Development ASPIRE Program The BRET Office Career Development ASPIRE Program provides career and professional development services and enrichment activities for PhD students and postdoctoral fellows in the biomedical sciences at VU and VUMC.
Upcoming Events Hosted by the BRET Office of Career Development:
CV/Resume Drop-In Clinic:
Tuesday, March 18 | 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Light Hall 340
Tuesday, March 25 | 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Light Hall 340
Tuesday, April 1 | 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Light Hall 340
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| The Margaret Cuninggim Women's Center is an on-campus office and resource to help celebrate and empower women in both their professional and personal aspirations, helping to boast their overall lives as they navigate through their time at Vanderbilt University. You can read more about the Women's Center on their website and by attending some of their upcoming events below!
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| | Women's History Month 2025
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| Now Leasing: The Broadview at Vanderbilt
The Broadview at Vanderbilt's ideal location on Broadway and 20th Avenue in midtown Nashville puts you just 2 blocks from the Vanderbilt campus and half a mile from VUMC, making your commute a breeze!
The Broadview offers brand-new studio, one- and two-bedroom apartment. Each home is outfitted with upscale features and finishes including a fully equipped kitchen, stainless steel appliances, wood-style flooring, in-unit washer/dryer, and private bedrooms and bathrooms.
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| | Connect with the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs (OPA)
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| | Connect with the Vanderbilt Postdoc Association (VPA)
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| Postdoc Spotlight: Juan Carvajal Garcia, Ph.D.
Juan is a postdoc in the Biochemistry department within the School of Medicine at VU. After completing his undergraduate studies in Spain, Juan moved to the United States to pursue his PhD in Genetics and Molecular Biology from the University of North Carolina. In 2021, Juan moved to Nashville to begin working as a postdoc in the lab of Dr. Houra Merrikh, where he is currently researching to understand how bacteria evolve, with a special focus on the evolution of antibiotic resistance. The hope with this research is that a detailed understanding of this process can lead to the development of drugs that stop bacteria from becoming resistant to antibiotics during the treatment of infections. Outside of the lab, Juan enjoys playing soccer and basketball, and hiking with his wife and their dog. Read more about his work in our March postdoc feature here.
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| The Career Center is proud to present their free, self-service photo booth. Just step inside, pose, and share!
Located in the Student Life Center, this resource is free and available to the entire Vanderbilt community. The photo booth is available for use anytime the Student Life Center is open. Check out this flyer for more details!
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| Holy Days CalendarAs a reminder, the Vanderbilt Holy Days Calendar provides a broad list of major holy days throughout the year and includes recommended accommodations for community members observing each holy day. For more information, please read the communication here.
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National Postdoc Association
NPA SmartSkills: Designing Your Life in the United States
In this session, the NPA will discuss how Moving to a new country is a challenge filled with opportunities. The presenter will share information grounded in intercultural research and practical tools to support international postdocs build a successful life in the United States. Understanding how people think and communicate and why they behave in certain ways, is essential to stay open and create thriving relationships. Intercultural understanding and practices can be strong resources when you navigate internal challenges such as increasing confidence in communication, relating to American values, and dealing with cultural shock within yourself while supporting your family members. This presentation clarifies why developing Cultural, Somatic and Emotional Intelligences can be supportive in effectively working in multicultural environment. Register here for the March 25 virtual course.
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| Join VPA Slack Channel!
The VPA has revamped the VandyPostdocs Slack channel to foster a vibrant postdoctoral community, with dedicated channels for all general announcements, calendar events for all postdoc-related activities, job postings, social events (both formal and informal), and discussion about anything and everything!
*Must re-signup even if you have previously signed into the former Slack because this is a brand new channel!
How to sign into VandyPostdocs Slack:
- Visit the Vanderbilt Postdoctoral Associatiion website.
- Click the link at the bottom (vandypostdocs.slack.com).
- Sign up with your VU or VUMC email.
- Launch Slack in your browser or download the app.
Then you should be all set! Feel free to post a message in any of the channels or request to start a new channel based on an interest you may have.
Important Note:
Must be signed in with VU/VUMC email to access VandyPostdocs Slack workspace.
Explore the VandyPostdocs Slack Channel today and connect with your fellow postdocs. For any assistance, contact the OPA (opa@vanderbilt.edu) or the VPA Community Building Co-Chairs (alicia.cronin@vumc.org or ilkin.safa@vumc.org). Let's build a stronger, more connected postdoc community together!
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| Nature Masterclass
Nature Masterclasses are developed by Nature Research and provide professional development training for researchers by drawing on the expertise of Nature Research journal editors and experts. Faculty, staff, postdocs, and students of Vanderbilt University and Vanderbilt University Medical Center are free to sign up at https://masterclasses.nature.com/.
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